[Tuba4]

One of our team members passed away this past weekend. Not that you all would know him, but his name was Nick Gabel. Nick had been with us for only about six months. Far too short a time, but we valued his presence nonetheless. Nick passed away from complications related to muscular dystrophy. You see Nick had been in a wheel chair for most of his young life. Even though his body was weak, his mind was strong and vital. He couldn't turn a wrench, but he could use his mind and imagination as a member of our programming team.

Several weeks ago I spoke to our school district's director of special needs education. She told me Nick was so excited about being part of our team. She said that he was doing better in school this year than ever before. And it was due in large part to his new found interest in FIRST. Our team gave him a sense of belonging that had previously eluded him. He had found a home.

If any of you are competing in Pittsburgh, Toronto or the Championships in Atlanta, stop by our pit area and learn a little more about Nick. We will have a memory book we would like anyone who is a member of the FIRST community to sign. Perhaps you could also give us one of your team pins. We would like to present the book and pins to Nick's mother as a memento of what the spirit of FIRST is all about. Gracious professionalism. Team. Family.

The Red Barons
Team #63